If you need help right now
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.
In Canada, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time. Children and teens can reach Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
In the US, call, text or chat 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) any time, or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
Services in your area
Every service below is run by a public body or a non-profit organisation, and each one was checked on its own website. We list organisations only, never individual private practitioners. Details change, so confirm hours and eligibility with the service before you go.
How to use these services
- You can usually start without a referral. Many children’s mental health agencies accept a call from a parent directly. Where a doctor’s referral is needed, the listing says so.
- Say what you have noticed, and for how long. Changes in sleep, eating, school, friendships or mood that last more than a few weeks are worth mentioning, as is anything that worries you about safety.
- Mention the separation. It helps the service understand what your child is going through. You do not need to explain who is to blame.
- Ask about wait times and what to do while you wait. Many agencies offer walk-in or single-session counselling sooner than ongoing care.
- Keep the other parent informed where it is safe to do so. Your parenting order or plan may say how health decisions are made.
Are we missing a public service in your area, or has something changed? Tell us and we will check it.
Guides that can help
- Signs your child is struggling, and when to get help
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts in children: what to do
- How to tell your children you are separating
- Depression after separation: for you, the parent
- Finding affordable mental health care
This page is general information, not medical, psychological or legal advice. FairWell does not run or endorse these services and is not paid to list them.